5 Ways to Lessen the Severity of Dog Seizures

Does your dog have canine epilepsy? This article lists five strategies to make your dog's seizures less serious.

1. Bring along Rescue Remedy wherever you take your dog. This amazing liquid is an herbal remedy that was originally designed to help calm agitated animals - only a small amount is needed and is placed directly on the tongue. It's sold in small bottles for about $7. Keep a supply of bottles ready in various places, such as any room where your dog spends time, your car, and even your purse or pants pocket when you're on the go. Personally, this product has make our dog's seizures less serious and not as long.

2. Minimize stimulation to his senses. One of the main causes of seizures can be too much outside light or noise stimulation. This is similar to humans, where strobe lights are a known trigger for an epileptic seizure, so try to minimize bright lights and noise.

Moreover, you should have other people refrain from bringing their dogs near yours. Dogs still have that genetic predisposition to keep the pack strong by destroying the weaker members, and even trusty Fido will attack another dog who is suffering a seizure. If your dog has a seizure when your are inside, turn of any lights, do not speak, and tell others in your house to not speak either.

3. Protect your dog from self-inflicted injuries. When your dog has a seizure, his whole body could violently spasm, during which time his head may hit objects or the floor. This could injure your dog and prolong the seizure, so it's important that you shield your dog's head from injury. Stairs can be particularly dangerous, and if your canine has an attack near a flight of stairs, you'll need to make sure he doesn't tumble down. While he's having the seizure, be sure to check his tongue periodically to make sure that his airway hasn't been blocked.

4. Use ocular compression. Pressing on the eyes is known more formally as Ocular Compression or OC. Many experts believe that such pressure tells the Vagus Nerve to produce the chemicals GABA and glycine, two important pieces in brain chemistry. Gamma aminobutyric acid is an inhibitor that acts to de-activate 'messages gone out of control', i.e. seizures, and regulates balance within the chemistry of the brain.

5. After the seizure has ended, be sure to provide your dog with lots of attention. Epileptic seizures are scary for anyone, but imagine how your dog must feel, since he can't even describe it to you. He needs to be reassured that he is still loved, still a member of the family, and that everything is going to be just fine. Try offering him some treats, play a game with him, or offer to go for a walk. Whatever you can do to help get your dog's mind off the frightening experience that has just happened will be best for you and your furry friend.

It is my hope that the suggestions listed here will assist you and your dog in dealing with seizures. Wishing you the very best!

Sandra DeMers is the author of Cory's Story, the story of how one dog conquered canine epilepsy that will absolutely AMAZE you. Visit her website for a wealth of knowledge and resources, including treatment for canine epilepsy.